Interpretation ID: aiam0856
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics
Montana State University
Bozeman
MT 59715;
Dear Professor Zimmer: Thank you for your letter of September 6, 1972, and the suggestions fo improving motor vehicle safety.; The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is aware of the hor problem described in your letter and recognizes that a driver's inability to quickly locate it can result in accidents, especially during panic situations. We have not issued any standard specifying the location of horn rim buttons or rings at this time, but we have initiated research to determine the best location and type of horn switches. Data from this research will be used for possible future rulemaking action.; We are preparing to issue in the near future a notice of propose rulemaking to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 'Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment'. This notice will propose that stop lamps be separate from other rear lamps, and, if the proposal is adopted, simultaneous operation of the stop and hazard warning signals will then be possible.; The four-wheel drive recreational vehicle described in your letter i classified under the Federal motor vehicle safety standard as a multipurpose passenger vehicle, and some of our present safety standards are not applicable to it. We are however monitoring the type and frequencies of all types of accidents and, if it appears the applicability of these standards should be extended to multipurpose passenger vehicles, we will propose such amendments. Enclosed for your review and further information is a summary description of all the safety standards and their applicability, revised as of June 1972.; Most of the late model cars now have a self-cancelling feature on thei turn signals which has eliminated most of the problems described in your letter. Standard No. 108 mandates self- cancelling turn signals on most motor vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1973. We have no immediate plans to issue requirements for audible alarms in vehicles, but we do appreciate your comments. If future safety conditions should warrant, we will consider issuing such requirements.; Again, thank you for writing to us and, if we can be of any furthe service to you, please let us know.; Sincerely, E. T. Driver, Director, Office of Operating Systems, Moto Vehicle Programs;